MANILA, Philippines - A young girl’s life was cut short after she was left sleeping inside a vehicle her family borrowed from relatives.

Photo Credit: GMA News

A report by GMA News revealed that family members of Janna Jacobe, 8, accidentally left sleeping inside the vehicle when they returned it to its owner following a night out at a mall in Pasay City on Tuesday, January 3.

Janna’s stepmother Joan Papa disclosed that 10 people occupied the car they borrowed from a relative. Papa said they didn’t notice that Janna had been left behind inside the vehicle when they returned it to their relative.

Later on, the family realized that the young girl wasn’t at their home in Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila. The family went looking for Janna for 12 hours but to no avail.

According to Joan, a child who was at the back of the car with Janna allegedly told her that the latter was asleep when they were in the vehicle. This prompted the family to go to their relative’s house and check the vehicle. Her dead body was recovered on Wednesday, January 4 at the back seat of the said vehicle.

Although initial investigation showed that Janna died of suffocation, the body will be autopsied to determine the real cause of the child’s death. The driver of the vehicle may possibly face negligence resulting in homicide, according to authorities.

Several netizens find the family’s statement about Janna’s death very suspicious. Some of them even suggested that there was foul play involved.

“Lies! Doesn't add up! How could you not even turn around behind you and notice a human being on the back seat?! Going inside a car you have a good view of the back of your car! They need to investigate further. I smell foul play. She's 8! I guarantee she knows how to unlock the door. And PLUS how do they know she died of suffocation right away? With no autopsy?”Angel Visions commented.